Wise Guys (1986)*** (out of 4)Losers Harry (Danny DeVito) and Moe (Joe Piscopo) are at the bottom of the food chain in the Mafia but they find themselves wanted men after they don't place a bet for the local boss (Dan Hedaya). The two head off to Atlantic City to try and find a way to stay alive but soon The Fixer (Lou Albano) is hot on their trail.WISE GUYS isn't the greatest comedy ever made but it's an interesting change of pace for director Brian DePalma who was coming off the less than successful BODY DOUBLE. That film, as well as SCARFACE, weren't huge hits with critics or fans at the time of their release so it's interesting to see the director turn to comedy before following this up with THE UNTOUCHABLES.A lot of this film's success has to go to the supporting cast. Hedaya is quite entertaining in his role of the crime boss and we also get a nice turn by Harvey Keitel who plays another crime boss. DeVito himself is quite funny throughout the movie since it allows him to play up that wild side of his. Personally speaking I've never been the biggest fan of Piscopo but he actually had some nice chemistry here with DeVito. The movie stealer has to be Albano as the overweight murderer who is constantly losing his cool. He's certainly the funniest thing in the film.Story-wise there's really nothing ground-breaking here or anything too funny but WISE GUYS is a good little gem that at least will leave a smile on your face.

Harry Valentini (Danny DeVito) and Moe Dickstein (Joe Piscopo) are both errand boys for the Mob. When they lose $250,000, they are set up to kill each other. But they run off to Atlantic City and comedy follows.This film is a bit of an enigma in Brian De Palma's career, not fitting in with the themes or style he is known for. In fact, I would have expected something like this to come from Billy Wilder before De Palma, but yet it exists.I do have to say I loved the roles filled by Lou Albano and Harvey Keitel. I mean, wow, despite a relatively weak film, Keitel still brings his A game.Roger Ebert wrote, "Wise Guys is an abundant movie, filled with ideas and gags and great characters. It never runs dry." Apparently this enthusiasm has "run dry" since its release, as now the film is largely forgotten and Rotten Tomatoes gives it a poor 33%. Personally, I thought it was just average.

DeVito (Harry) and Piscopo (Moe) are a great team. Both of them play their parts to perfection and Piscopo (in the funeral/suicide attempt scene) even sells his extreme grief without even saying a word. I think he is highly underrated as an actor. DeVito plays the well intentioned snake oil salesman to a T. Every idea he has goes wrong in his quest for "respectability", and he drags Moe down with him in every endeavor. But their loyalty to each other keeps them going.This movie is funny from the get go and even tosses in the tear-jerking twist that throws you for a complete loop. Lou Albano is perfectly cast as Frank "the Fixer" Acovano. He's a major highlight of the movie. It's well written, acted, and just a very funny film. If you haven't seen it you should rent it ASAP.

I bought this when the DVD came out as I try to do with all of Brian De Palma's movies. I had waited to see this one for a while and I was sadly displeased when I watched it. I thought it would be a real comedy and be funny, but is just what it is. Nothing happens that can be called funny or moving. I was not emotionally stirred through the whole movie and felt like I had just wasted two hours of my life. This and Sisters are De Palma's worst I say to everyone never watch these turkeys. Danny Devitto is usually a solid actor and can make me laugh but he has nothing to work with in this film. Joe Piscipo acts crappy as usual and I still can't stand him. What was De Palma thinking when he made this other than needing a check. He does not even have his signature style in this film the only thing that lets you know it's him is a shoddy 360 shot that he does in most of his films. Do your self a favor and avoid this one.